Page 20 of The Mountain Man's Determined Bride

“Yes maybe it would be easier to just be at your house but at least for a few days, I need some time to think and I can spend a little time with Uncle Bill too. You’ll be the first to know when I change my mind, I promise.”

“Okay, I suppose I can deal with that. Call me in the morning and let me know when to come pick you up. I have a little bit of paperwork I probably need to get caught up on beforeI come back into town.” Luke came to sit on the edge of Morgan’s bed and took ahold of her hand.

“Promise me I’ll be the first call if you need anything.”

“Luke, I promise, everything will be fine though.” She fisted her fingers into his shirt and pulled him closer, until her lips touched his. It was a small gesture but at the same time, a familiar one that ignited the desire in both of them. It wasn’t long before the world around them drifted away. It was a meeting of equals, heart to heart, but Morgan broke their lips apart, pushing him away a bit when she heard a knock at her door.

“Come in.” In those few seconds before the door opened, her fingers touched her lips and her eyes met his. They were dark with desire, his cheeks flushed. They shared a knowing smile as an orderly peeked in to let them know visiting hours were over.

“Uh thanks, I’ll be leaving in just a minute.” Luke glanced back as the medical employee backed out into the hallway, leaving the door ajar.

“Guess there won’t be any hanky panky tonight huh?”

Morgan smiled and crooked her finger, bringing him close again for one more kiss.

With lips barely parted she whispered to him. “Sweet dreams cowboy. I’ll call you in the morning.” She pushed him away again and adjusted herself in her bed and covered up.

“I swear you’ll be the death of me.”

She smiled as he walked away.

* * * *

Luke sat in his quiet truck parked in the lot of the medical center, watching her window until the lights dimmed. She’d turned on the TV, no doubt for some noise to help her sleep. Damn it, the things she did to him with just a smile or the touch of her hand. He was doomed for all others.Neverwould he get this woman out of his head nor did he want to. It was awful to say but that accident was their blessing in disguise. He’d seen the need in her eyes and she never turned away his attentions. Was it a good sign?

“Damn sure better be.” His ringing cell startled him and he dug in his pocket to answer it before his blasted voicemail took over.

“Hello?”

“Hey stranger, long time no see.” Margie.Shit.

“Oh uh… hi there, what can I do for you?”

“Well that sure is a loaded question. Oh the many things I would like you to do for me, or to me but there’s plenty of time for that later. How about meeting me for a drink?”

“Margie, I don’t really think that’s a good idea. I need to be focusing on Morgan right now. She needs me.”

“What for? Why does she need all the attention?”

“Are you kidding me right now…you know what? Never mind. I really thought you two were friends at one time but it doesn’t matter, there is nothing between you and me. If we will ever be friends, it will be through Morgan only. Please stop calling me.” Luke hung up without a further thought.

“Damn that woman, she’s up to something.” If he only knew what. Unfortunately, he had no room in his thoughts for anyone other than Morgan. Since her accident, they’d becomemuch closer and that’s what they wanted. He was trying really hard not to upset her or make her mad.

His seat vibrated beside him. He started to grab for his phone but had second thoughts. What if it was her again? After he’d ended the call with Margie, he set his ringer to vibrate on purpose but he had no will power. He didn’t want to talk to her again and wouldn’t answer if it was her but he needed to make sure it wasn’t the hospital.

He recognized the number flashing on the screen and hit talk. “Hey man, how’s it going?”

“Hey Luke, how’s my sister doing? Did they kick you out for the night?”

“Yeah I’m pulling out now. She’s actually great. She said the doctor told her she’d be able to go home tomorrow so she’ll call me in the morning to pick her up.”

“Did you convince her to stay at your house?”

“Are you kidding, your sister is stubborn. Said she needs a few days to herself and then she’ll decide. I knew she wouldn’t change her mind so I gave up.”

“Smart man. Let me know if you need any help.”

“Will do but there is one thing you probably should know. Margie called me today, got pretty fired up when I told her I didn’t have time for her and needed to focus on Morgan. I’m not sure what’s going on there. I never dated her or anything and she’s acting like we’ve been together many times. I just don’t trust her.”